3 Tips for Finding the Perfect Decorative Lamp

3 Tips for Finding the Perfect Decorative Lamp

A lamp can make all the difference. That doesn’t just apply to the light it brings – its ability to take a room from ‘daytime mode’ to ‘evening mode’ in a split second – but also to its decorative appeal. It straddles the line between art peice and lighting source and, for that reason, we can’t get enough.

Our thorough guide to choosing lamp bases and shades will give you all the pointers you need to get the creative juices flowing – but, if you need a little more, then keep reading for our top three bonus tips on finding the right decorative piece for your home.

1. Measure your space, but don’t be daunted if it seems ‘too small’

For obvious reasons, measuring a side table, dresser, shelf, or alcove to work out whether or not the lamps you’re looking at will even fit within the space they’re intended for is important. You’ll want to pay particular attention to the diameter of the lamp shade, since this is the part that typically protrudes the most.

In fact, a general rule of thumb to use with decorative lighting is to pair your base with a lamp shade that is, at its widest point, 50% wider than the widest point of the base. You don’t need to get too fastidious about this, but it’s a good reminder not to ‘play safe’ with a less conspicuous choice of shade. 

The key here is to make sure that, together, the lamp and shade will fit, but not to be daunted by a relatively snug fit. Decorative lamps are there to bring a powerful statement to the room – and the bigger you go, the bigger the space can actually look. A smaller, less conspicuous lamp will downplay the space, while a larger lamp will make the most of what’s available and avoid it feeling poky.

2. Base first, shade later

Unless your heart has already been stolen by a particular lampshade, it’s a good rule of thumb to start by selecting your base and working your way up. This is primarily because the base is the more concrete, sculptural element – and, if you’re working to the 50%/100% rule we mentioned in tip #1, it will determine the size and shape of your shade anyway.

Focus on the silhouette first, then colour. We often recommend making the most of a decorative lighting piece by leaning into a strong, contrasting colour that will really stand out – especially when the light of the bulb is reflecting down on it.

Remember to make the most of the space available to you – and that means working out whether more height or more width will highlight the area surrounding the lamp. While it may sound obvious, it’s important not to underestimate the impact an intentional choice like this can make on the room at large. Too small for the space, and the lamp will feel a little ‘randomly chosen’; too large, and you’ll be wandering from room to room looking for a space big enough to house it.

3. Take advantage of the powerful combination of contrast and illumination

One of our favourite things about ceramic lamp bases is the fact that they have that distinctive sheen to them – a sheen that is amplified ten-fold when the lamp is switched on, and some of that warm glow from the bulb is directed down onto the base itself by the shade.

Different lamp base shapes will capture that light in different patterns, with ribbed bases creating beautiful combinations of sheen and shade, and double gourds capturing a very smooth trickle of light that runs over its contours and down to the table beneath.

If you can combine that beautiful sheen with a bright, bold contrasting colour, you’ll have a really stand-out feature to draw the eye across the room. The combination of a bright sheen and the hand-painted turquoise colour of our Turquoise Spiral Teardrop ceramic lamp base is a prime example of how the beauty of the lamp itself can combine with its function to create something really different – and very arresting.

While lamps can serve more of a practical purpose than anything else, we like to take advantage of the sheer scope they hold for artistry and beauty to ensure that no surface or empty space is wasted, and that this core element maximises the potential for beauty in everyday design.

At Penny Morrison, decorative lighting is one of our favourite elements to invest our time, attention, and creativity into. You can browse our full lighting range for more inspiration.